In a significant move reflecting India’s commitment to honoring national icons, Droupadi Murmu on Monday unveiled the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The newly installed bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari — the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India — has been placed at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap. It replaces the earlier bust of Edwin Lutyens.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Murmu said the initiative is part of a broader effort to shed the vestiges of colonial mindset and proudly embrace India’s rich culture, heritage, and timeless traditions. She emphasized the importance of honoring those who rendered extraordinary service to Bharat Mata.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Union Ministers Jagat Prakash Nadda, S Jaishankar, Dharmendra Pradhan, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and L Murugan. Family members of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari were also present on the occasion.
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement and later became the last Governor-General of India in 1948, serving until 1950.
The unveiling marks another symbolic step in redefining public spaces by honoring Indian leaders who shaped the nation’s history after independence.
